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This Sunday, the Center for Research in Astronomy, Astrophysics and Geophysics (CRAAG) announced that a rare and beautiful astronomical event will take place on the night of August 11-12, 2024. On this day, Algeria will be home to one of the most spectacular astronomical events. Meteor Shower This year’s meteor shower, known as the Perseids, is eagerly anticipated by astronomy enthusiasts and will peak in activity in the middle of the night, providing a stunning celestial spectacle in the northeast.
Special astronomical events are expected to occur on the night of August 11-12
The Perseids, also known as the “Tears of Saint Laurent,” are a meteor shower known for their frequency and brightness, according to CRAAG. They get their name from the constellation Perseus, where their apparent point of origin is located. On this special night, observers will be able to see Up to 100 meteors per hourSweeping across the sky at an incredible speed of 58 kilometers per second, these light trails are the result of small fragments of Comet Swift-Tuttle entering the Earth’s atmosphere.
Also read: Moon occultation, meteor showers… these astronomical phenomena you can’t miss in August 2024
The comet is about 26 kilometers in diameter and orbits the Sun every 133 years. The Perseid meteor shower is a product of the dust and gas left behind by the comet on its journey. By colliding with the Earth’s atmosphere, this debris creates the magnificent light trails observed during the meteor shower.
How to observe meteor showers clearly?
The Perseids are not only one of the most fascinating meteor showers of the year, they are also one of the oldest, with sightings in China dating back to 36 BC. Italian astronomer Giovanni Schiaparelli was the first to establish the connection between the Perseids and Comet Swift-Tuttle between 1864 and 1866.
To fully appreciate this celestial spectacle, CRAAG recommends staying away from urban areas to avoid light pollution and choosing a location with a clear view in the northeast. It is recommended to let your eyes adapt to the darkness for at least 30 minutes before starting to observe. Astronomy enthusiasts can also discover three visible planets that evening: Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, which will add to the magic of this event.
Also read: Algerian sky phenomena: Meteor shower expected on July 28 this year
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